amount of fat

• no more than 1/3 of our energy intake should com e from fats
• men:

  total fat = 95g

  saturated fats = 30g
• women

  total fat = 70g

  saturated fat = 20g
• fat should make up no more than 35% of our food energy per day, with no more than 11% coming from saturated fat
• the amount of fat a person needs may change depending on age and physical activity
• too much fat can cause:

  • weight gain, where excess fat is stored under the skin
  • obesity, which can lead onto type 2 diabetes, where the body struggles to maintain blood sugar levels
  • increased blood cholesterol levels (saturated fats), restricting blood flow and increasing risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, eg a stroke
• too little fat can cause:

  • less fat soluble vitamins to be absorbed by the body, resulting in vitamin deficiencies
  • weight loss if there is a lack of carbohydrate in the diet
  • less insulation to keep the body warm, may become colder faster
  • thinner layer of fat under the skin, increasing risk of bruising, knocks etc